BOOK AHEAD

Great Christmas Pudding Race London, UK

December 7

Wouldn’t you like to see your boss all dressed up as Mickey Mouse running through a flying foam slalom and making a fool of themselves all in the name of charity? Then get a team of six staff together and scale the obstacle course in fancy dress while carrying Christmas puds. Each team is expected to raise a minimum amount in sponsorship of £600 (US$937) for Cancer Research UK. There is also a registration fee of £25 (US$40) per person.

www.xmaspuddingrace.org.uk/Home.html

Penang Island Jazz Festival Penang, Malaysia

December 5-8

One of the most significant festivals in the region, the Penang Island Jazz Festival turns 10 this year with a line-up that includes Freddy Cole, Jazzkamikaze and Eska playing the Jazz By The Beach stage and Sixth Sense, Maxy Chan and FA22 on the Fringe Stage. Workshops, exhibitions, a drum circle and an after hours jazz jam add to the festival vibe. Tickets cost RM78 (US$24).

www.penangjazz.com/

Honolulu Marathon Honolulu, Hawaii

December 8

The second-largest marathon in the US after Chicago, the Honolulu Marathon hosted more than 30,000 runners last year, and was the largest race in 15 years.

The event attracts many first-time marathoners due to its exotic route, which takes in the beachfront neighbourhood of Waikiki and the volcanic tuff cone of Diamond Head.

www.honolulumarathon.org/